Frequently Asked Questions 

 Welcome to Custom Tee Shirt Quilts!  Below I have made a list of answers to some of the questions you may have or if you have any questions about the process of making a memory quilt please call or email me.  Your quilt is treated with the love and care it deserves.  I work on one quilt at a time, giving it my full attention to every detail.  Your satisfaction is my priority.  

** A quilt is similar to a comforter, not a full size bedspread. 

** Each t-shirt (block) is backed with a, fusible interfacing to give it stability.  

** We use 100% quilter’s grade cotton fabric  for all sashing, binding and backing.  You can select a color for the sashing, binding, backing and additional borders (quilt front).  

** Quilting:  each quilt is professionally machine quilted with an over-all meander design. We do not tack or tie blocks, quilting provides stability,  looks beautiful and extends the life of the quilt. The entire quilt will be machine quilted from edge to egde.   

** Leave the cutting to us, please do not cut your tee’s. We love to cut them up!.  

Note: No vulgar tees will be accepted or ones that advocate violence, drugs, etc. 

What is a block?

A block is one square or one T-Shirt.  That size is  either 12" or 15”  (some tees have smaller graphics and can fit into a 12" block).  If your graphic measures larger than 14” it cannot be used in your quilt unless you approve of losing some of the edging.  Several blocks make up a row and width of the quilt, then several rows make up the length.  Example:  4 blocks x 5 blocks will make a twin size quilt approximately 70” wide x 87” long.  We often can combine several tees into one block.

What can be used in a Block?  

T-Shirts, sweatshirts, shirts, jerseys, tank tops, etc.  (no jean fabric as it unravels). Buttons, snaps, etc. will be removed as we cannot quilt over them.   Most clothing items can be combined into a memory quilt.  If they are bulky, they cannot be quilted over though we do quilt around that part (such as a pocket).  

How do I choose the layout of my T-Shirts?

You can select the layout of your quilt by  numbering your tees in a grid...example:  12 blocks = a twin size quilt of 3 blocks wide and 4 blocks long. Top row of the quilt has 3 blocks...number them from left to right, 1-3.  2nd row number 4-6, etc. Pin or staple your number to the tee or use a marker to number it on the bottom of the tee away from the graphic.  You can also take a photo of your layout and email it.  OR you can leave the designing to me.

What is Sashing, Backing & Binding?

Sashing is a 2 inch border around each block.  It provides additional stability to the tee, separates each tee  and improves the overall look of the quilt.  I like to say it makes the tees look like they are floating on fabric, each one individually framed.  

Backing is the fabric on the back side of the quilt.  We use extra wide fabric, there are no seams on the back.  Binding is a narrow strip of double folded fabric, sewn to the edge of the quilt to finish the raw edge. It appears about 1/2 " wide and has a soft, rounded edge. I hand sew the binding to the back of the quilt.   It is the perfect finish to the quilt!

What if my T-Shirts have holes or stains?

We cannot alter stains or holes and each tee will be incorporated into the quilt based on it’s condition.  Each block is cut either 12" or  15” square and if the graphic has a hole in it or a stain on it, that will be part of that block. We do our best to cut around it but often we cannot. Please wash your tees, do not use starch or fabric softener, dry without as well.

Can I wash my Quilt?

Yes, all fabrics used in our custom made t shirt quilts are pre-washed.  They can be machine washed in cold water on the gentle cycle and line dried or on a low heat setting.  If you have a dark color backing, you should always use a color guard laundry soap.  Never use bleach on your quilt.


Note: You may choose the fabric color or if you prefer a particular fabric, let me know and I will work with you. OR you can leave the decision to me and I can select a fabric color that works best with your t shirts.   You may also select flannel for backing and/or a themed fabric.